Answered8 years ago

Can I apply for a multiple-entry 1-year B visa while my 3-month B visa is still valid, if I need to travel outside Thailand?

Thai Visa Rules Non-Immigrant B Visa Multiple Entry Visa Visa Expiration Work Permit Process

Isabelle **********

asked Apr 9, 2019

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Good afternoon 

Help please ☺️

My single-entry 3 month B visa will expire on 13th May. Work permit is in process. 

I need to travel to Switzerland from 05 - 11 May.

Do I need to apply for my multiple entry 1 year B visa while my 3 month B visa is still active / valid? 

(I.e. I need to go to Penang before 05 May) 

Or can I apply even if my 3 month B visa has expired / on the very day it expires? 

(I.e. I can fly straight from Switzerland to Penang after 11 May. Current visa would expire on Monday 13 May, the earliest possible day I could go to the embassy) 

Thank you 

Isabelle

Answer summary

The user seeks advice on whether they can apply for a multiple-entry 1-year B visa while their current single-entry 3-month B visa is still valid, especially given their travel plans to Switzerland just before the current visa expires. Responses clarify that without an active work permit, the user cannot apply for the visa in Penang and should consider applying for a new non-immigrant B visa either in Switzerland or before returning to Thailand.

13 repliesnewest first

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Robert *******

Just to let you know, the Thai Embassy in Bern only issues the Single Entry Non Immigrant B visa

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8 years ago

Ellie *******

You can go to Penang as soon as you got WP, directly from Thailand or straight from Switzerland to get Non-b Multiple entry if you want to get visa with all required documents. Or you can get one on your home country if they issue.

8 years ago

Isabelle **********

@Ellie ******

- thank you! It’s a bit of a stress to rush to Penang now, so I think I’ll get all the required paperwork sorted this month and then head to Penang from Switzerland. Thanks for your help

8 years ago

Robert *******

to apply for the 1 year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant B visa in Penang you need to be Managing Director named in the work permit. As you do not have a work permit this is not an option. Your visa is stamped USED on entry and already invalid and you got a 90 days Admitted to Stay, which probably ends on 13 May or on the day you leave Thailand. I would say apply in Switzerland for a new Non Immigrant B visa before you make your way back to Thailand.

Isabelle **********

- awesome, thanks!

Ellie *******

, yes, you are fine as long as you get Non-B multiple before you are back to Thailand (and your WP remains 9 months validation), once you exit Thailand before your current admitted until date.

8 years ago

Isabelle **********

to summarise - it seems applying for the 1 year non B in Penang has nothing to do with the current status of my 3 month B visa, but has more to do with having the required paperwork such as MD status and work permit? So I shouldn’t worry about rushing to Penang before Switzerland. Have I got that right?

8 years ago

Isabelle **********

@Ellie ******

- good point, I believe she mentioned something about needing to hire Thai staff etc when done inside Thailand but that this isn’t necessary when applying outside Thailand. I’ll check with her and feedback to the group in case of interest. Thanks!

8 years ago

Robert *******

It is more simple, but there are more requirements to meet. I guess your lawyer already know, the company can not meet them.

8 years ago

Ellie *******

@Isabelle *********

Maybe because requirements are different between getting extension inside Thailand and getting Non-B outside Thailand.

8 years ago

Isabelle **********

Aha! Thanks Robert. Wondering why on Earth my lawyer has told me I need to travel to Penang for a 1 year non imm B visa then, as what you propose sounds far simpler 😊

8 years ago

Robert *******

Than I would say, as soon as you have the Work Permit and become MD, visit the Immigration Office, get the hand out with requirements for the 1 year Extension of Stay. Apply for this, cost only 1.900 Thb. As soon as this is stamped inside your passport apply for the Multiple Re-Entry Permit, cost 3.800 Thb and you are good for 1 year.

8 years ago

Isabelle **********

Thank you Robert. The idea is that I will have my WP and be made MD in the next 2 weeks.

8 years ago